Microsoft Adds Password Recovery Option to Windows 10 Lockscreen

Microsoft Adds Password Recovery Option to Windows 10 Lockscreen

Microsoft added a password recovery option to the Windows 10 locksreen for users that use a Microsoft account to log into their computer.

The feature was added last week in the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 16237, was spotted by MSPoweruser, and will be released to all users in October/November when Microsoft launches the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

The new option says “I forgot my password” and once pressed, it initiates a password recovery/reset operation for the user’s Microsoft account.

Users can recover accounts by receiving a verification code via email, SMS, and phone call. This code must be entered in the lockscreen during the password process that ensues.

The new password recovery/reset option is also available if users have activated the Windows Hello authentication system, or use a PIN to secure their account.

For years users have been forgetting passwords and getting locked out of their accounts, needing to hack their way back in.

The Microsoft account login method should not be confused with the one that relies on local accounts. Resetting passwords for these accounts is a different process and relies on another mechanism.